Hi, I’m Belinda and I'm dedicated to sustainability and an outdoor enthusiast! I've always loved getting out into nature and exploring. Whether it's hiking, kayaking, or camping, there's just something about being surrounded by the great outdoors that fills me with joy and wonder. Ever since being introduced to Earth Day in elementary school, I've been passionate about sustainability and doing my part to reduce my carbon footprint. From participating in sustainability events to composting and recycling at home, I'm always looking for ways to make a positive impact on the environment to ensure that it is still here for future generations to enjoy.

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

Sustainability is about finding ways to balance aspects of economic, social, and environmental concerns so we can create a world that is equitable and resilient. When I think of sustainability, it’s not just about environmental issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. Sustainability encompasses social and economic issues like equity, economic development, and healthcare accessibility. Sustainability affects all these factors of our society because they are all interconnected. Ultimately, sustainability requires us to take a holistic and long-term view of our actions and their impacts. It means recognizing intersectionality and how our choices today will shape the world tomorrow.

What role do you see sustainability playing in your professional career?

Sustainability is a cornerstone of my personal values and professional aspirations. My commitment to social and environmental justice guides my career pursuits, particularly in strategy and finance. I envision leveraging sustainability in impact investing and sustainable finance, facilitating businesses to reduce environmental impact while promoting positive societal outcomes. This could involve creating supply chain sustainability programs, executing sustainability reporting, or providing client training. Understanding that the sustainability landscape is continuously evolving, I am committed to staying informed about the latest developments in ESG metrics reporting, benchmarking, and how companies incorporate sustainability into their operations. I am particularly interested in exploring the concept of collinearity, where sustainability drives profits and vice versa. In addition, I am passionate about helping businesses innovate. I believe that by fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, companies can develop new solutions and strategies that not only benefit their bottom line but also contribute to sustainability. Through investing in companies and projects that align with my sustainability values, I can contribute to meaningful change while generating financial returns. I firmly believe sustainability is crucial to any successful business strategy, and am committed to incorporating sustainability into my future professional endeavours.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

I’ve participated as a volunteer gardener for Ecosource, where I engaged in hands-on environmental education programs focused on food, waste reduction, and climate action. It was inspiring to witness how a simple garden could foster community spirit, motivate others to adopt sustainable habits, and positively impact the environment. While serving on Western’s Sustainability Committee, I collaborated with members to find ways to minimize waste on campus. Through the committee, we promoted a program called Trash Talkers, which empowers students to become sustainability leaders and educate their peers about proper waste sorting and sustainability initiatives they can participate in. Since my first year in university, I have been involved with Enactus Western, focusing on social entrepreneurship and aiding projects like RollUP, a wheelchair recycling program through aspects such as outreach, strategy, and impact measurement. Participating in Innovation North’s Systems Innovation Challenge allowed me to learn about systems thinking through workshops and address the problem of product returns, which results in significant waste and impacts communities in ways that consumers may not always consider. All these experiences have shaped my perspective on environmental stewardship and social responsibility, driving my commitment to combining community engagement with sustainable practices.

Please list any sustainability-related interests you want to explore during the certificate. 

• ESG metrics, measuring, reporting
• Impact and sustainable investing
• Climate change and intersectionality
• Greenwashing
• Sustainability consulting
• Agriculture and food security